A mother who locked her two disabled adopted sons in a cage, beat them and forced them to eat off the floor has been jailed for three and a half years.

The 46-year-old monster – not named in the court hearing in Obilnoye, Russia, is said to have systematically abused the helpless youngsters for years.

One victim aged nine was described as disabled during the hearing while the other, aged four, was said to have special needs.

Harrowing images submitted as evidence show one of the boys sitting behind a barred door with what looks like a dog bowl beside him as he waits to be fed.

Prosecutors told how the boys would be locked up for days on end as a punishment.

They told the court: “Not only did the woman neglect her duties of upbringing the boys, but she also failed to provide proper nutrition, sleeping arrangements, and personal hygiene conditions, considering the children’s needs.”

Neighbours said they know the children were being abused but even when they tipped off welfare officials nothing happened.

They say police only investigated after newspapers reported the scandal.

Defence lawyers are reportedly filing an appeal with a higher court.